Southeast soccer begins conference slate

The Southeast Missouri State soccer team will look to return to its winning ways after consecutive one-goal losses that snapped its undefeated record.

The Redhawks, who have an impressive record of 6-2-1 after losses to Kentucky (3-2) and Missouri State (1-0) last week, return to action today on the road against Eastern Illinois to begin Ohio Valley Conference action.

Southeast was picked to finish second in the OVC's preseason poll, but have shown it's more than capable of competing for the league title.

Coach Heather Nelson notched her 200th career victory in a 1-0 win against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Aug. 28 and was presented a plaque prior to the Redhawks' last home match on Sept. 11.

That game -- a 1-0 victory over Florida Atlantic -- was an emotional one for Southeast as it was the team's annual "Meg Herndon game." Herndon was killed from injuries sustained when she was struck by a truck while driving a scooter in Sept. 2012. She was a senior defender on the team at the time. Her mother Cindi Silvey, father Ian Herndon, sister Molly and brother Matt were in attendance, and presented a $12,000 check for the scholarship fund in Meg's honor. Silvey also spoke to the crowd about her daughter and organ donation. Elizabeth Moore, of St. Louis, also was in attendance. She was the recipient of Meg's kidney.

"We talked about it being 9/11 today, we talked about playing in the image of Meg, and I thought they left their hearts and souls on the field today," Nelson said after the game. "I can't ask for anything more. I'm blessed to coach them."

An extensive interview with Nelson about Meg Herndon is available on the Semoball Podcast at www.semoball.com/story/2337456.html. Definitely worth a listen.

We wish Nelson and her team the best of luck on the rest of their season.